Kenya: New Muslim Party Opposed

THE Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council has opposed the creation of the Unity Party of Kenya as a Muslim political party. Kemnac chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao said the creation of such a party will divide Muslims. Sheikh Ngao said the party is the creation of two Coast MPs who want to use it as a vehicle to retain power. "There are Muslims in all other political parties including ODM, PNU, URP, DP and others. There is no need to create another party for Muslims," he said.

Ngao urged Muslims in the other parties not to abandon their respective parties to join UPK. He accused the leadership of UPK of having no agenda or policies that reflect the country's national interests. "We want national political parties that are not formed on the basis of religion because this will only serve to create tension among different religions in the country," Ngao said.

Earlier in the week, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya supported the UPK saying it will fight for the oppressed and the marginalised especially at the Coast. CIPK treasurer Sheikh Hassan Omar said the party represents the voice of the people who have no voice and who have been neglected for long.

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